Dominic Calvert-Lewin was photographed, calling VAR’s decision to exclude his winning goal against Manchester United “a disaster”.
The Everton striker thought he had won it late for the Toffees when his shot following an injury deviated from Harry Maguire and behind the net from David de Gea.
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Calvert-Lewin celebrated wildly – but his goal was ultimately ruled out
Gary Neville comes out of champagne to celebrate the end of Liverpool’s undefeated run
Crazy celebrations ensued as Man United players fumed and raved against referee Chris Kavanagh and, as is the procedure, VAR was called upon to review the goal.
The United players were angry because they thought that Gylfi Sigurdsson, who was down on the field offside, blocked De Gea and prevented him from having an open view of Calvert-Lewin’s shot.
And, after a review, the video assistant referee agreed that De Gea’s line of sight was blocked, so the goal was ruled out.
There was little time left and the Red Devils kept their 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
The incident caused real drama after the full-time whistle blast as Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Everton, was kicked out by referee Kavanagh amidst a rant among officials in the middle of the field.
And while Sky Sports experts Graeme Souness and Roy Keane agreed that the lens was properly rejected, Calvert-Lewin was not the most pleased with the VAR’s decision.
Television cameras caught the attacker watching the VAR replay of his goal to see why it was ruled out, and he could be heard calling the decision a “disaster” in incredible footage.
“Oh my God,” added Calvert-Lewin. “It doesn’t even obstruct the site line.”
You can watch the brilliant Sky Sports video below …
In a more formal interview shortly after, Calvert-Lewin said: “At the moment, I was not sure [if it was a goal]. When I see him again, I think that Gylfi on the ground does not obstruct the line of sight.
“Fair enough, he is in an offside position but then he needs a deflection, the goalkeeper goes the other way and his legs are spread apart.
“The goalkeeper will never save the ball, so I’m not sure what it is.
“For me, as an attacker, I think it’s a goal, but VAR says the opposite and cancels the emotion at the end. What can you do?”
